Barrichello, who raced for Ferrari from 2000 to 2005, told Total Race: "I feel very sorry for Felipe but, on the other hand, I know very well that there is life after Ferrari.

"But Felipe is a good driver and I think he can get a seat. We hear that his best chance, the one he should fight for, is at Lotus. Actually he has to go to where his heart tells him to and where he has an open door.

"Driving for Ferrari is the most spectacular thing there is, but the moment after you leave is somehow liberating, with less pressure and more freedom in interviews. There is a moment of pain, but there is life after it."